FRS 001M— Sec. 001 — (1 unit) — CRN 75085 — F 11:00-11:50 am — 355A Hutchison
Agriculture’s Role in the Conservation of Wildlands

Instructor: R. Michael Davis, Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences

Description: The subject matter discusses the conflict between agriculture and wildlife conservation. The goal of the course is to introduce students to alternate views on the impact of agriculture on the environment. Despite the persuasive negative views of the media on agribusinesses, maximum inputs into farming (including pesticides and biotechnologies) and maximum yields per unit of farmland may be the key to the preservation of current and future wildlands. In fact, it has been suggested that maximum yields on existing croplands may be the single most important factor in halting wildlife habitat destruction. In addition, there exists a dynamic group of farmers who maintain that profitable farming can include hedgerows, ponds, native plantings, etc., all which enhance wildlife habitats. Information will be presented through informal lectures, readings, and discussion. Students will discuss selected readings assigned each week.

Format: The seminar will meet for one hour each week for ten weeks. The time will be divided between discussions, informal lectures, and student presentations. Reading material will be provided. Students and the instructor will discuss assigned readings each week. Students will write a paper (minimum 2000 words) on a topic chosen in consultation with the instructor.The paper must present pro and con arguments on the chosen topic. Students will argue a case, complete with references, in support of the view they believe correct. The paper will include an oral presentation. A one-hour field trip to a local farm will be arranged. Grading: The course grade will be based on the quality of the written paper (25%), the oral presentation (25%), and class participation (50%).

About the Instructor: Professor Davis is a member of the faculty in the Department of Plant Pathology. His research interests include the epidemiology and control of diseases of vegetable and field crops, including tomatoes, carrots, onions, potatoes, corn, and cotton. He is Cooperative Extension Specialist with a 20% I&R appointment. He teaches courses on mushroom production and taxonomy and a field course on vegetable and row crop diseases. He works closely with various ag industries in California and is UC liaison officer to two commodity boards.